As of Thursday, the storm was in the Bahamas and affecting the Florida coast.

“Basically, this has the makings of a billion dollar storm,” Gigi said. “It’s just a question of which state is going to get the brunt, which is still unknown.”

Hurricane Sandy brings with it threats of torrential rain, wind and flooding.

“If it goes into the Delaware Bay, we’re talking about a record-breaking storm surge,” Gigi said.

The storm is expected to reach land around the same time as Monday’s full moon, which would increase the likelihood of flooding.

Even if the storm doesn’t directly hit the state, the area can still see heavy rains and winds from Sandy.

It’s still uncertain where the storm will hit as of now but the National Weather Service instructs South Jersey residents to start preparing for any eventuality.

“This is not going to be a good scenario,” Gigi said.

Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) for each county participated in a conference call on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the storm.

“We are continuing to monitor the storm and we will discuss further preparations,” said Deb Sellitto, spokeswoman for Gloucester County.

The Gloucester County OEM plans to meet today to coordinate its efforts.

Each OEM office is in contact with its state and municipal partners to best anticipate any weather events.

“Our concern is the riverfront and the low-lying areas, in particular, for flooding,” said Jeff Pompper, emergency management coordinator for Salem County.

Pompper urges any residents whose property has a history of flooding to make plans and possibly find a place to stay during the storm.

“Hopefully, the storm is not as bad as forecasted, but we would like to make sure citizens are prepared for anything,” Pompper said.

Plans for evacuation shelters have yet to be formalized but, behind the scenes, the OEM offices are making arrangements.

“If a shelter or shelters are necessary we will certainly make those announcements, but as of right now we have no intentions of opening up a shelter,” Pompper said.

In Atlantic County, the OEM worries about both residents and visitors to the shoreline.

“It looks like the potential is out there for severe tidal flooding,” said Ed Conover, deputy coordinator for the Atlantic County OEM.

The county has a checklist of procedures in case the storm proves to be devastating and hopes that each family has their own storm plans.

“We know that people will be anxious about the storm,” Conover said. “That’s why we try so hard to get our message out to make sure the public is prepared, knows what to expect and are ready for it themselves.”

The Atlantic County OEM’s website offers a detailed checklist of how to be ready for Hurricane Sandy.

Atlantic City Electric regularly drills its employees for any storm emergency.

“We’ve made preparations to handle any power outages but there is still the potential that widespread and/or extended outages will occur,” said Frank Tedesco, spokesman for ACE.

With Hurricane Sandy approaching, mutual assistance crews from outside areas are already being organized in case of massive outages.

ACE also urges customers to download its phone application that details power outages in the area and emergency information.

Because many of the trees still have leaves, the danger of debris is very high.

The utility company asks customers to stay away from any downed wires and to give workspace to any crews on the road.

To report any outages or tree limbs on wires, call 1-800-833-7476.

Personal preparedness

The American Red Cross South Jersey Region is working closely with its partners as the storm makes its way up the coastline and the organization beseeches residents to be equally prepared.

“We are monitoring and are in communication with state and county OEMs at the current time,” said Tim Settles, American Red Cross South Jersey Region’s emergency response director.

According to the Red Cross, residents should assemble an emergency kit in a water-resistant, easy-to-carry container. Included should be water, food, a battery-powered radio, first-aid, prescriptions, copies of important documents, personal hygiene items, pet supplies, blankets and extra cash.

Families should also have a disaster plan if the need makes itself apparent. There should be two meeting places, both outside the home and in the neighborhood.

There should also be advanced preparation for pets in case of catastrophe.

If the hurricane hits, all appliances should be unplugged and the electricity and the main water valve should be turned off.

If not advised to evacuate, residents should stay inside and away from windows.

Windows and doors should be closed and secured by shutters or plywood.

The Red Cross also has a special app for smartphones that regularly updates storm information.

“All Red Cross preparedness measures are taking place and we expect to be ready for whatever weather conditions Hurricane Sandy brings to New Jersey,” Settles said.